Will New Zealand's iGaming market launch as scheduled? The country's "Online Casino Gambling Act" completed its first vote in Parliament in July this year, but several legal experts pointed out that the bill lacks necessary details, which may delay the regulated market's launch until the second half of 2026.
On July 15, the bill passed its first reading in Parliament with 83 votes in favor and 39 against, and is now under review by the Governance and Management Committee, while initiating industry consultations to solicit opinions from all parties. Once the legislation is completed, up to 15 operators are expected to be allowed to enter New Zealand's iGaming market, with plans to officially open in July 2026.
Experts warn that this timeline is very tight. Jamie Nettleton, a partner at Addisons law firm, told iGB: "The current bill has many gaps, lacking detailed provisions on how licenses specifically operate, and the descriptions are too general." His colleague Samuel Gauci added: "If the target is still to implement in June 2026, the consultation time left for all parties is very limited. The current consultation has not yet ended, and it is doubtful whether supporting regulations can be formulated in time."
Operators face not only the challenge of tight timing but also a lack of transparency about regulatory details, making it difficult to determine whether it is worth participating in the auction process starting in February 2026. Nettleton said: "The government hopes to have 15 operators, but how to price reasonably and ensure market competition remains a mystery."
The bill was proposed by Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden in April this year, requiring operators to pay Goods and Services Tax and a 12% offshore gambling tax, as well as a 1.24% profit tax to support gambling harm prevention. Limited gambling advertising is allowed, but it is forbidden to broadcast during times children may be watching, and an age verification system must be used. In the future, there may also be restrictions on endorsements by internet celebrities and celebrities, but the specific content will be further formulated by the regulatory agency.
Several operators including SkyCity, 888, Bet365, and Super Group have expressed interest in participating, but the government has explicitly excluded the local monopoly sports betting merchant TAB NZ from applying for an online casino license, raising industry concerns about policy consistency.
After the 2023 general election, New Zealand formed a coalition government composed of the right-wing National Party, ACT Party, and Priority Party, thus accelerating the gambling legislation process. Jarrod True, head of True Legal law firm, said: "The new government views regulation and taxation as pragmatic measures to address economic challenges post-pandemic. If it were a left-wing government, expanding gambling legislation might be difficult to pass."
While opening the online casino market, the government is tightening regulations on the sports betting market, causing confusion about the information. Nettleton pointed out: "Initially, everyone thought New Zealand would fully open all gambling sectors except for lotteries, but the policies on casinos and sports betting seem contradictory."
True emphasized the significant role of the horse racing industry in New Zealand's economy and politics, especially supported by Winston Peters, the leader of the New Zealand First Party.
If the bill successfully passes the Governance and Administration Committee, it will complete its second reading on November 17, then be reviewed by the full committee. Despite the optimistic outlook, it still faces opposition, especially from politicians and treatment institutions concerned about gambling harm.
In addition, the physical gambling industry may face impacts, especially the non-casino gambling machine industry, which is operated by non-profit organizations, with profits returned to the community. In contrast, online casino licenses impose fewer restrictions on operators, not covering betting limits on gambling machines, etc.
True pointed out, "Implementing new regulations will not be smooth sailing, and problem gambling institutions oppose a comprehensive advertising ban, believing that current regulatory measures are insufficient to reduce harm."
Nevertheless, the government is still determined to push for the iGaming market to go live. Nettleton concluded: "Creating a regulated market is undoubtedly progress, much better than an uncontrolled black market. But if the threshold is too high, the risk of the black market still exists. The key is to find a reasonable balance that can attract operators to participate and effectively control the illegal market."
